Why is abstaining from fleshly lusts important for Christians?

Peter urges believers in 1 Peter 2:11 to abstain from fleshly lusts because these desires are detrimental to the soul’s comfort and welfare. While fleshly lusts cannot destroy the eternal soul, they can lead to a life of misery in the present. The conflict between the desires of the flesh and the spirit necessitates a conscious choice to reject such temptations. Colossians 3:5 calls believers to mortify earthly members and desires, emphasizing that our lives should reflect our identity as children of God. Engaging in Christ-like behavior and resisting sinful desires enables believers to live in accordance with God's will and experience true joy and peace.